It's a similar story for other immigrants, including skilled workers, family members sponsored by Canadian citizens and business immigrants.

On average, however, refugees earn less than other immigrants — a difference Tombe suggested could be related to challenges with language skills.

"This will certainly limit one's earnings ability in the labour market, and refugees — not surprisingly — face the biggest challenge in this regard," he said.

"But this should dissipate through time."

Best outcomes in Alberta

Across the country, Tombe says the earning patterns of refugees are fairly similar.

"It's true for Canada as a whole that employment income rises at a pretty rapid rate from the moment that a refugee arrives through time. It's also true that the share reporting employment income rose pretty quickly after landing," he said.

Tombe said refugees in Alberta have the best outcomes in terms of employment income.

"[It's] much higher among refugees in Alberta than in other provinces," he said.

"We also have the highest employment rate, lowest social assistance rate, and that's true just because Alberta has the strongest economy, even today, in the country."